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To Sam12 August 2013

I've left my primary school

Dear sam,I've left my primary school and is going on to big school. None of my friends are going to be in my class. I feel really sad. What should i do?

Sam12 August 2013

Hi,

Thanks for your letter. Its great that you decided to get in touch. Changing schools and meeting new people can often feel a bit scary. It sounds like youre feeling sad and perhaps worried about missing all the friends youre used to having in class with you. It can take time to get used to changes and its normal to feel a bit nervous and even worried about what things will be like.

It could be that your friends feel a similar way to you about moving school. Talking to your friends about how you feel could help you to understand each others feelings and give each other some support. You might want to think about making arrangements with your primary school friends to meet up at some breaks and lunchtimes. That way you can still spend some time with them at school and keep your friendships going.

Starting a new school can mean that you get to do new and exciting things and make even more friends. Its likely that there will be other people in your class who are in a similar position and you might be able to help each other out with finding your way around the building. Joining afterschool clubs and lunchtime clubs can be a good way to get to know new like-minded people and if your friends from primary also join it can be a way of having some together time with them too.

For a lot of people starting secondary school is one of the biggest changes that has happened to them in their lives so far. This might mean that they have nothing to compare these feelings to. You might want to think about talking to an adult that you trust about your feelings. Even adults can feel sad when they make big changes like moving from one job to another. Once you have successful come through a big change and felt ok afterwards, the next big change will seem a bit less scary.

There is an Explore page about School which includes advice about moving school, perhaps you could check that out. Remember that you are welcome to come and talk to a counsellor at ChildLine anytime about whats happening and how its making you feel. You can call free even from a mobile on 0800 1111 or you can log in for a 1-2-1 chat.

I hope some of this helps.

Take care,

Sam

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